Meet our 2024-2025 Mentor cohort!
Matthew Belsey – Creative Carbon Scotland
I am the Environmental Reporting and Data Manager at Creative Carbon Scotland, an organisation that supports the cultural sector to contribute to the transformational change to a more environmentally sustainable Scotland. My background is in data and climate change but since joining Creative Carbon Scotland 2 years ago I have been fully immersed in the workings of the Scottish cultural sector as I explore the best ways to support the diverse range of organisations and individuals across Scotland. As a mentor, I am most looking forward to helping my mentee reach that lightbulb moment when everything falls into place!
Mhari Robinson – Independent Arts Projects
I am the founder & Executive Producer of Independent Arts Projects (IAP), a Leith based arts charity who regularly collaborate with theatre makers and participative artists. I have produced arts projects and run small arts organisations for about 15 years, and I am interested in inclusive arts practice and processes. I am most looking forward to working with mentees to take steps towards achieving their goals and moving on in their careers.
Jim Manganello – Shotput
I’m the co-artistic director of Shotput, a dance-theatre company I founded in Glasgow in 2018. Before and alongside that, I work as a freelance director, performer, and teacher, and I enjoy working across different forms and directly with different communities. Originally from Detroit, I learned theatre on the job in Chicago before training in Belgium and eventually making my home in Scotland. My path has been twisted and it took me a while to find a ‘spine’ that felt right. As such, I’m especially looking forward to working with mentees to craft their own peculiar journeys.
Janice Gilmour – Ayr Gaeity
I’ve been in venue management now for 25 years so have a wealth of experience of venue and staff management. Having worked in a small Council run theatre, to a mid-scale Council/Trust venue to now heading up an independent, social enterprise, charity-run, iconic Scottish theatre. Having faced many challenges over the years and having had a few good mentors along the way I think it’s my time to give back and support the next generation. I hope that I can utilise my skills to support mentees on their own journey and through their own challenges. I will provide a safe space and mentorship to help mentees rise to any challenges ahead and reach their full potential.
Seona McClintock – Theatre gu Leòr
I am a creative producer with experience in artist development, multilingual work, touring theatre, music festivals, venue programming and running a company. I am currently the Creative Director of Theatre Gu Leòr. As a previous mentee, I appreciate how great it can be to have the space to work things out and have someone challenge you in a helpful way. I am looking forward to bringing about some real lightbulb moments with my mentee(s), led by curiosity, creativity and compassion. Outside of work I am an avid football fan, a beginner Bridge player and an enthusiastic sock knitter.
Pamela Walker – Imaginate
With over 20 years of experience as an arts producer, I am dedicated to supporting and advocating for children, artists, and communities. Since joining Imaginate in August 2016, I have been responsible for producing the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, the Creative Development programme, overseeing Theatre in Schools Scotland, and contributing to key projects and the company’s strategic development. I’m really excited about the chance to mentor someone, helping them steer challenges and grow in their artistic journey. I look forward to offering guidance and encouragement as they navigate their unique path in the arts.’
Susan Whyte – Aberdeen Performing Arts
I lead on APA’s Engagement programme, including year-round arts participation activity, Light The Blue Youth Arts festival, produce work including cabarets and artist led curated festivals and on developing partnerships to support the work APA delivers. With a strong commitment to inclusion and relevance and finding ways to dismantle barriers to participation, I am passionate about the role the arts can play in making a positive difference to individuals, communities and the city.
As a mentor, I am looking forward to being a sounding board, supporting mentees through professional and personal development and helping navigate whatever may be blocking their path.
